Suggest Treatment For Overactive Bladder

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Jul 2016 Answered on

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I always feel like I have to urinate, or rather that I haven't emptied completely. My doctor ordered a urinalysis which came back negative for uti, as is often the case. I'm 68 yrs. old. This feeling compromises my feeling of vitality. What can be prescribed for a sensitive bladder?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need further evaluation for the cause of the incomplete emptying.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Before coming up with a medication for this (and there are medications for overactive bladder problems), I think it is important to fully know what the problem is that is causing this incomplete emptying feeling.

There are a variety of things that can cause this sensation, from pressure on the bladder or partial outflow obstruction (such as from a prolapsed uterus), urinary tract stones or gravel, neurological, and other causes.

For this reason, if it is a recurring problem, I recommend seeing a urologist for evaluation. A urologist has more training and experience in evaluating cause of voiding dysfunction than a primary care doctor.

Unless you have recently had these tests done, you should also have a thyroid panel and fasting blood sugar test done, although as you did not indicate any history or symptoms relating to thyroid disease or diabetes, these factors are less likely to be causing your problem.

So - I recommend asking your doctor for a referral to a urologist. Ask for one who communicates clearly with patients and has a kind bed side manner.

I hope this information helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar